"We have intelligence indicating Russia is preparing a new fierce attack," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a social media post on 29/5.

"Pay attention to air raid warnings to protect your lives. Our operational forces are effective and prepared. The Air Force and other sky defense forces will be on duty 24/7, as usual," he added.

Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, also urged citizens to closely monitor air raid warnings in the coming days.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference with F16 pilots in Uppsala, Sweden, on 28/5. *Photo: AP*

The warning follows one of Russia's largest aerial assaults since the conflict began, launched on 24/5, targeting Kyiv and surrounding areas with 90 missiles and 600 unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), according to Ukrainian officials.

"Russia continues to rely on missiles and a prolonged war, not diplomacy," Zelensky stated after a private meeting with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The Ukrainian president also urged partners to expedite the delivery of promised air defense systems, especially ballistic missile interceptors, and to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.

He emphasized that allies need to understand that delays in fulfilling air defense agreements could leave Ukrainian cities unable to counter subsequent Russian attacks.

Last week, President Zelensky also sent a letter to his US counterpart, Donald Trump, commending the capabilities of the Patriot air defense system and urging the US to transfer more missiles.

Zelensky affirmed that the US-made Patriot air defense system remains the most effective method for countering all types of Russian ballistic missiles. "In Ukraine's hands, the Patriot system has proven crucial: the majority of Russian missiles can be intercepted," the letter stated.

Ukraine is facing challenges in countering Russian aerial assaults due to the limited supply of Patriot missiles and Western air defense systems.

Colonel Yuri Ignat, press secretary for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, admitted on 25/5 that the country is experiencing a severe shortage of "air defense missiles in general." An image he shared with Ukrainian media showed a Patriot launcher ready for combat with only two missiles, while the remaining six launch tubes were empty.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, Kyiv Post, Reuters)